The Silo Hotel – The Royal Portfolio
Project
FCP (Friends of Child Protection) provides Comfort Packs to child victims, designed to soothe and comfort a child victim of sexual abuse during the time they have to wait at police stations and hospitals for questioning and a traumatic medical examination. Between 5,500 and 6,000 packs are given to abused children each year by Doctors/Nurses, Investigating Officers, or Social Workers.
The Packs are age and gender appropriate and include basic necessities such as underwear and toiletries, items to soothe and comfort the children, and a Snack Pack. These children often have to wait many hours at police stations, hospitals, or at the Children’s Court to testify. The Snack Pack provides sustenance for them during this period.
For many, these Comfort Packs are the first new items they have ever received, and often the first items that belong entirely to them. We have come to realize that the emotional benefit of these Packs far exceeds their physical contents and they have a large impact on the children who receive them.
Needs
General School Supplies:
Colored Pencils, Crayons, and Pens
Educational Games/Toys:
*Small Stuffed Animals/Soft Toys and Stickers
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Bouncy/Soft Balls
Clothing/Shoes:
*New Children’s Underwear, see sizes below:
Girls: 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14; Small Women
Boys: 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14; Small Men
Linens:
Face Cloths
Foods That Can Be Purchased Locally:
Baby Formula, Two Minute Noodle Pack, Biscuits/Cookies, and Small Fruit Juices
Health/Personal Grooming:
Bars of Soap, Deodorant, *Sanitary Napkins, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Nappies/Diapers, and Small Tissue Packs
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.